The Fair Work Ombudsman is taking legal action against the operators of a
NSW Central Coast restaurant for allegedly failing to comply
with a demand to back-pay nine underpaid employees.

Facing court is Renee Martin, also known by the name Jackie Elcham, who owns
the restaurant My Favourite Italian, at Terrigal.

Also facing court is Ms Martin’s private company, Jaycee Trading Pty Limited,
through which she operates the restaurant.

Nine employees of My Favourite Italian, including two juniors aged 16 and 19
at the time, were allegedly underpaid a total of $12,178 in minimum wages,
penalty rates and other entitlements between July 2011 and June 2012.

Fair Work Inspectors discovered the alleged underpayments when they
investigated complaints lodged by employees, who worked as wait staff and in the
kitchen.

It is alleged that in May this year, a Fair Work Inspector delivered a
Compliance Notice to Ms Martin that required her company to rectify the
underpayments within 14 days.

It is alleged that Ms Martin was involved in her company failing to meet the
requirements of the Compliance Notice and that no application for a review of
the Compliance Notice was made.

Under the Fair Work Act, employers must comply with Compliance Notices issued
by Fair Work Inspectors or make a court application for a review if they are
seeking to challenge the Notice.

It is also alleged that Ms Martin was involved in her company further
breaching workplace laws by failing to comply with two Notices to Produce
employment records issued by Fair Work Inspectors during their
investigation.

Under the Fair Work Act, employers must comply with requests to provide
records relating to employees and former employees.

Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said the decision to launch legal action
was made because enforcing compliance with Compliance Notices and Notices to
Produce was fundamental for maintaining the integrity of Australia’s workplace
laws.

Ms Martin was allegedly involved in Jaycee Trading committing three breaches
of workplace laws. She faces maximum penalties per breach ranging from $5,100 to
$6,600 and her company faces maximum penalties per breach ranging from $25,500
to $33,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking orders from the court for the company
to back-pay the employees in full. A directions hearing is listed in the Federal
Circuit Court in Sydney on September 4.

Employers and employees seeking information and
advice should visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work
Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available
on 13 14 50.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing advice that you can rely on. The information contained on this website is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or workplace relations professional. Visitors are warned that this site may inadvertently contain names or pictures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have recently died.